Tribal Clashes in Libya Claim 50 People

Recent clashes between rival local militias in Libya has resulted in 50 deaths and in the wounding of 167 people.

Reports say the three-day fighting between gunmen from Sabha and fighters from the Tibu ethnic group had reached the centre of Sabha, Libya’s fourth-largest city.

Clashes between rival groups have been among the challenges facing Libya since the ousting of the regime of Muammar Al-Qadhafi in 2011 and the establishment of the interim authorities.

Delegates gather at the Ouagadougou Conference Centre in Sirte, Libya, for the 22nd Summit Conference of the League of Arab States.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

According to media reports, the new ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) is struggling to assert its authority across Libya, where rival militias and tribal groups fight for power after 2011 uprising.

Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in Libya UNSMIL) has welcomed the ceasefire brokered in the south-western city of Sabha.

UNSMIL called on all parties to facilitate the treatment and evacuation of all wounded and to ensure the protection of civilians.

“It is critical that the Government and all sides take steps to further de-escalate the situation and address the underlying causes of this recent fighting.” – the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNSMIL, Ian Martin

Mr. Martin appeals to all sides to resolve the situation through dialogue and peaceful means.

Security remains a major concern where events in different parts of the country had highlighted the risks associated with both the continued abundance of weapons on the streets, Mr. Martin added.

The UNSMIL reports that with the coordination with the Sabha Local Council, the Libyan Red Crescent, security forces, and tribal leaders, the UN and its partners in Sabha are responding with pre-positioned non-food items to help address the urgent humanitarian needs.

Additional medical kits have already been deployed to assist with the wounded and more supplies will be dispatched over the coming days, it added.

Earlier this year, deadly clashes erupted between the Tabou and the Zwaya tribal brigades in the southern city of Kufra over a two-week period.

Reports say about 100 people reported to have died and many others seriously injured in the recent clashes.

Libya has been engulfed by fighting since a pro-democracy movement opposed to the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi emerged in February following similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt and other countries across North Africa and the Middle East.

Gaddafi’s demise marks the end of a 42 year rule of a dysfunctional brutal regime that was ruled by fear, torture and executions. Its mismanagement of the economy brought ruin to Libya and impoverished the Libyan people despite the huge oil and gas wealth.

On the 27th of June 2011 The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Moreno Ocampo asked a three-judge panel to issue arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his second-eldest son, Saif al-Islam, and his intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi.

The regime brutally attempted to suppress the opposition movement by shelling rebellious cities, and imprisoning and torturing those who speak out.

The filing against Gaddafi came just three months into the uprising against his 42-year rule.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain English. Mina Fabulous is the pen name of Carmen Avalino, the NewsBlaze production editor. When she isn’t preparing stories for NewsBlaze writers, she writes stories, but to separate her editing and writing identities, she uses the name given by her family and friends.